Cheap Scope probes

[PKI]

Hi,

I borrowed Tektronix TDS 210 from a friend to figure out some PSU problem I have in my tube amp. Unfortunately it came without probes. Is it ok to get some cheap probes from amazon to do the job?
These for example: https://www.amazon.com/kuman-100MHz-Oscilloscope-Probes-Accessory/dp/B019O9CB40/

Thanks!

 

[rayma]

Those are within the scope's compensation range, so they should work ok.

 

[PKI]

thank you!

 

[rayma]

Remember the voltage limits, Max. Voltage:

x1: <200V DC + Peak AC
x10: <600V DC + Peak AC

 

[Mark Tillotson]

Basically never use x1 mode unless you have a good reason to. x10 probes only display their full bandwidth on x10 mode. x1 mode makes your 'scope front-end much more vulnerable too....


Also don't expect cheap probes to actually be certified for really high voltages, whatever the data says...

 

[1audio]

I would get the X100 probes. They are not expensive and much safer- https://www.amazon.com/Hantek-Oscil...4799&sprefix=x100+oscilloscope,aps,219&sr=8-3 with a 2 KV max voltage rating, especially if you are using a borrowed scope.

 

[campsquire]

Indeed, I learned the "probe a high voltage on a 1X" the hard way.

 

[H713]

1x is useful when you're looking at very small signals, but otherwise it's generally better to use 10x.